Top NFL receiver prospects would love to play with Detroit Lions’ Calvin Johnson

Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins runs with the football during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

INDIANAPOLIS >> Sammy Watkins, who is considered the top-ranked wide receiver prospect, would love to play on the same team as Calvin Johnson.

Watkins, who many consider a top five pick, names Johnson as one of the NFL receivers he admires.

USC’s Marqise Lee, another top ranked wide receiver, agrees.

“Calvin Johnson is an amazing receiver as everyone knows. just a chance to get a little bit off him,’’ Lee said. “Actually come in and actually do something when I first get in there. Plus the fact, take everybody’s eyes off him and focus on me so he can get what he got to get.’’

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Count Mike Evans, the 6-foot-5 receiver from Texas A&M, in too.

“It would be very beneficial. I look up to all the big receivers in the NFL,’’ Evans said. when asked about playing with Johnson or Brandon Marshall. “To play with them would be great, learn from them, take some attention off them and just help the team win.’’

Watkins, Lee and Evans were meeting or had already met with the Detroit Lions at the NFL Combine. The Lions have the 10th overall pick in the draft.

Add the 6-foot-5 Mike Evans from Texas A&M to the mix of wide receivers who could be available to the Lions with that pick.

Wide receiver and safety top the list of needs for the Lions.

General manager Martin Mayhew, not one to tip his hand, is not looking for a certain type of receiver.

“Wide receivers can be a lot like tight ends, they have different ways of getting open, it’s not necessarily speed,’’ Mayhew said at the NFL Combine.

“We’ll evaluate all these guys, appropriately and we’ll make decision on who can help us win. I don’t have any height, weight, speed to give you on receivers,’’ he added.

He’s looking for a No. 2 to play alongside Calvin Johnson.

“There are different ways to go about it, one way to look at is we have got a big receiver in Calvin, let’s get a smaller guy that can run routes and get open in the slot or on third down,’’ Mayhew said. “Look at what Chicago did, two big guys. It could go either way. See what you can get, who you feel good about.’’

Watkins, 6-foot-1 out of Clemson, is known for his explosiveness. He’s looking to set a Combine record when he runs the 40-yard dash.

“i think I can run by just about anybody, that’s my objective, that’s my motive,’’ Watkins said. “I think i can score on just about any play, any route. that’s the mentality you have to have as a receiver.’’

Lee, who is 6-foot and 195 pounds, said it doesn’t matter what style of offense he plays in, he thinks he can contribute.

Evans could see his stock climb with good speeds in the 40.

He’s confident and while most consider Watkins the top receiver, Evans doesn’t.

“There are a lot of great receivers in this draft, don’t get me wrong. But I feel I’m the best one,’’ Evans said.

Other receivers who could interest the Lions in early rounds include:

— Kelvin Benjamin of Florida State matches the height of Evans at 6-foot-5.

The wide receiver said he’s matured the last few years.

“Just growing up and being a man,’’ Benjamin said. “I’ve learned to do the things you have to do to be a man. Before I was basically just being a kid, doing kid things.’’

He changed after knowing Florida State could have gone to a national championship in 2012.

“Knowing that we left a lot out there,’’ Benjamin said. “I just wanted to turn it around for the team, for the organization.’’

— Odell Beckham Jr., from LSU has speed in his bloodlines. His dad was a running back for LSU (1989-92) and his mom was an All-American track runner helping LSU to five national championships.

So it’s no surprise he possesses good acceleration.

Beckham said it would be a dream come true to play with Calvin Johnson.

“He’s one of my favorites. He plays a completely different game,’’ Beckham said. “I like his game, the way he goes up and gets the ball at its peak.”

— Allen Robinson who played at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and then Penn State, could also be a late first-round or second-round pick.

CBSSports.com scouting report on Robinson says: “Fluid and flexible athlete for his larger frame with room to get stronger. Deceiving acceleration with sharp cuts to be a dangerous catch-and-go pass catcher.’

About the Author

Paula Pasche is a longtime sports writer for The Oakland Press and blogs at http://oplions.blogspot.com/. Author of book, "100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die." Follow on Tout and Twitter @paulapasche. Reach the author at paula.pasche@oakpress.com
or follow Paula on Twitter: @PaulaPasche.